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In collaboration with WHO to mark World Mental Health Day, writer and illustrator Matthew Johnstone tells the story of overcoming the “black dog of depression”. Probably the only dog video on the Internet that will make you reflect. Millions of people around the world live with depression, a frightening, debilitating condition at its worst. Many of these individuals and their families are afraid to talk about their struggles, and don’t know where to turn for help. Recognizing depression and…

Dr. Sanjay Gupta explores the principles of longevity and better health in this video in this blue zone journey as he talks to Dan Buettner, the author of Blue Zone Solutions The 4 longevity takeaways capture the 9 tips very well: 1. Move Naturally - Without even thinking about it  2. Eat wisely- More plants, less red meat, a glass of wine with a social group of moderate drinkers 3. Belong - Volunteer, Gives a sense of purpose and makes you want to get out of bed 4. Connect with people -…

Can I eat cabbage or broccoli? Can I eat miller? Nutritionist Kohila Govindaraju brings you up to speed on ‘goitrogenic foods’ and answers diet questions for persons with hypothyroidism.   What is hypothyroidism: This is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland situated at the base of the front of your neck. Its major function is to produce thyroid hormones, which play many roles…

Just 20 minutes of brisk walking a day may be all it takes to lessen a sedentary person's risk of early death, says a new study. The researchers also found the risk of early death due to lack of exercise is double that posed by obesity and does not necessarily depend on being obese or overweight. Prof. Ekelund says the study delivers a simple message: "just a small amount of physical activity each day could have substantial health benefits for people who are physically inactive." However,…

By Amy Morin, a licensed clinical social worker and an internationally recognized expert on mental strength Without mental strength, we aren't likely to reach our physical fitness goals -- or any other goals for that matter. Building mental strength is the key to reaching our full potential in life. There are a lot of misconceptions about what mental strength really is and why it's important. Here are the five biggest myths about mental strength: Myth #1 -- The Idea That You Can Build Mental…

Ling, a person with diabetes from Singapore and a DSS team lead talks of how she deals with Lunar New Year festivities  I have to admit I'm not a good example when it comes to Chinese New Year.... I will relax and feast, .... I'm the kind who will rather skip a main meal so that I can enjoy the festive goodies eg new year cake. The few CNY tips I would like to share are : Do active spring cleaning to burn more calories! Include cleaning of windows, doors, furniture as well as long as…

Enjoy the Lunar New Year festivities without compromising your health. By Nutritionist Kohila Govindaraju. It’s that time of the year again, the most significant few days in the Chinese calendar – the Lunar New Year. It’s a time to get together with friends and family and eat, drink and be merry... in a health-conscious way.  First up, the Reunion Dinner on New Year’s Eve, when families gather around a sumptuous meal. A part of the meal is Lo Hei, when everyone gathers…

Everything you eat is converted to sugar – yes, proteins and fats, too. A fast food meal spikes blood sugar by 30%. Nutritionist Kohila Govindaraju tells you how to break out of the vicious cycle of sugar rush, insulin spike, blood sugar drop, renewed hunger and weight gain.  Go for the slow burn  If you want your day to be more productive and rewarding, launch it with a nourishing meal. You will be more productive all day long if you invest just a few minutes in…

However bad you thought smoking was, its much worse. A new study adds 5 more diseases to the existing 21 diseases and 60,000 more deaths to the existing toll of half million deaths attributed to tobacco in United States alone. Death rates of smokers are 2-3 times higher than those who have never smoked and they die a decade earlier than smokers. Stopping smoking helps reduce risk over time. In addition to existing hazards of lung cancer, artery disease, heart attacks, chronic lung disease…

Think you know all the reasons? Prepare to be surprised. By family practitioner and marathoner Dr Gita Mathai. Plus, how much to exercise to get its real benefits. We all want to look good, be slim and healthy. There’s one magic pill for this and it’s called exercise. Even if you’re ‘too tired’ or ‘too busy’, you need to get off that couch now.  Benefits of regular exercise Exercise helps to achieve ideal body weight if also combined with calorie restriction.…